The City of Garland Health Department has confirmed the first case of Zika virus in a pregnant woman in Garland on Friday. They say another pregnant woman has tested positive in a preliminary Zika test, but is awaiting official results from the CDC.
Garland Health Department officials said in a press release these North Texas women traveled to Central American and returned several weeks ago without displaying any Zika virus symptoms.
The infected individual was tested for the Zika virus based on CDC guidelines since she is pregnant and recently traveled to a country with local transmission of Zika. The test came back as a preliminary positive and was sent to the CDC for confirmation. The CDC confirmed the case and notified the city of Garland today. The city of Garland is awaiting confirmation on the second case.
The names of these individuals have not been released. There is currently no information about the statuses of the babies' health or the mothers' pregnancies.
According to the press release, there is no local threat of Zika transmission in the metroplex at this time.The individual had not returned to Garland during the disease phase of the virus when she was capable of transmitting Zika via mosquitoes.
GHD reminds north Texas that the Zika virus is generally spread from person-to-person through the bite of the Aedes mosquito species. These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters that typically lay eggs in artificial containers.There is no vaccine or cure for Zika.
Prevention measures that GHD recommends include dressing to prevent mosquito bites and drain and remove all standing water near your home.
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The GHD encourages individuals traveling to areas where local transmission is occurring to protect themselves against mosquito bites and to contact their health care provider immediately if they develop Zika virus-like symptoms.
Common symptoms of Zika virus include fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes), but not everyone experiences symptoms. The illness can last several days to a week and severe cases may require hospitalization. The Zika virus has been associated with birth defects including microcephaly and fetal losses.
For additional information on Zika virus or other mosquito-borne diseases, visit the GHD webpage or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
